Oakland Raiders Midseason Awards

Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders offensive line coach Mike Tice looks on before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Outstanding Position Coach Award: Mike Tice, OL

When Mike Tice was hired to be the offensive line coach for Jack Del Rio’s staff, the hiring was greeted with respect from around the league. Tice, a former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and a former NFL tight end, had already established himself as a highly regarded and sought after offensive line coach after successful stints in Chicago and Atlanta.

While his job was certainly made easier when Reggie McKenzie added outstanding center Rodney Hudson in Free Agency, Mike Tice has taken a unit that had its’ share of issues and turned it into one of the league’s most solid fronts.

With apparent starting right tackle Menelik Watson gone for the year and no clear cut starter at right guard going into the season, Tice has taken veterans J’Marcus Webb and Austin Howard and gotten them playing solid football on the right side of the Raider line. Veteran Donald Penn and second year player Gabe Jackson have continued what they started last year, making the left side one of the best in football, and Hudson has been as advertised.

While much of the press and credit go to Derek Carr and Amari Cooper and Bill Musgrave’s play calling, none of it would be possible without the Raider offensive line, that Mike Tice has done a stellar job of coaching up and preparing for each test. Through eight games, the Raiders have allowed a mere ten sacks and have amassed a 4.5 yard per carry rushing average.

The Raider offense is the eighth most prolific offense in the league in terms of yards and seventh in terms of points, and much of the credit for this goes to Mike Tice’s offensive line.

Next: Outstanding Defensive Player